SESAR Solution Lead and SESAR Communications Lead

Salary - £64,856.53 - £86,475.37

Closing date - Sunday 23rd August 2026

NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.  

Purpose of the Role

Context

The SESAR Joint Undertaking (SJU) is a PPP consortium established to undertake collaborative Research & Development of ATM concepts and systems in support of the Single European Sky initiative and NATS is a key contributor to the programme. The SESAR 3 programme started in 2022 and runs until 2031, with a budget of 1.6 billion euros. NATS is involved in a number of funded projects, and currently has awarded work in the programme to the value of 9 million euros (but could increase through future calls) and receives up to 70% funding (either through Horizon Europe or through the UK government).

The output of SESAR 3 will lead to the definition of future European common projects leading to mandates that NATS may be required to adhere to if adopted by the UK.

The Role

The role sits within the SESAR and Ops Innovation Team. The purpose of the role is to act as the NATS Lead for a number of SESAR 3 projects and A&FO SESAR Communications Focal point coordinating with Corporate Comms. As such the post holder is responsible for leading and developing the relevant work, and supporting the overall communication activities of the SESAR programme.

In addition to working within specific projects, the role interacts with other SESAR projects, including input to the transversal projects and working to influence the overall concept.

The role involves influencing effectively the strategic direction for future ATM systems development e.g. through SESAR forums, and communicating effectively with stakeholders from across NATS to coordinate NATS’ views and pro-actively pursue the agreed positions externally. An important aspect of the role is being able to work collaboratively with European partners, with appropriate understanding of their interests and background culture.

The role provides proactive support to the management of the overall programme of SESAR work conducted by NATS.

Note that the specific responsibilities of the SESAR Solution Lead and SESAR Communications Focal point role are defined in the SJU SESAR Project Handbook and the EU Horizon Europe grants.

Breadth of Experience

The role requires an in-depth understanding of current European ATM research and the ATM future concept developed by SESAR. A broader knowledge of NATS’ ATM operations, NATS’ organisation and processes is required.

Scope for Impact

As a leader of a team and a recognised NATS expert in SESAR, the job-holder provides technical advice and strategic direction for tasks that could have a significant impact on shaping the future of UK and European ATM.

The role is the lead from within the SESAR and Ops Innovation Team for internal and external communications relating to SESAR, liaising with Corporate Comms.

Accountabilities

Supervision and Leadership: Leads a team made up from technical experts from across European partner organisations and within NATS, ensuring team members understand objectives and the context within which they are set. Ensures that the team members are kept informed of progress and wider developments. The role is responsible for supervising inputs from these individuals, allocating certain activities as necessary and providing advice and assistance as required.

Project Management (inc Planning): Supports Project Coordinators in managing, planning, designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on activities as required for NATS management purposes and to meet the external management requirements of the SESAR JU. Is jointly responsible for developing, agreeing and guiding the execution of work plans together with European partner organisations. Identifies and resolves complexities and conflicts in activities. At a European level is able to promote discussion and find consensus with partners in order to make progress.

Delivery: Manages and completes activities, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales and estimated effort to the required quality in line with the NMS and to the satisfaction of both SESAR JU and NATS internal customers.

Strategic Planning: Understands NATS’ operational and wider business interests and pro-actively develops the technical and operational vision in accordance with the A&FO NERL 2040 vision. Communicates this vision effectively to NATS’ and external stakeholders and works to ensure the research needs associated are included in the NATS’ and SESAR planning.

Application & Maintenance of Knowledge: Develops and maintains a high level of technical and professional expertise, assisting others in these areas. Identifies future gaps in knowledge. Is recognised and respected as a domain expert (SESAR Concept development) across NATS and the wider European ATM research community. Seeks opportunities to develop experience to maintain this recognition.

Customer & Stakeholder Focus: Liaises effectively with other European stakeholders involved in SESAR, providing support to their involvement in the programme. Coordinates internal and external SESAR communications for NATS in consultation with Corporate Comms.

People & Resource Management: Coordination and domain management of European Partners. Provides Technical leadership to European partners.

Qualifications, Professional Knowledge and Skills

• Academic Background: Good honours degree in a numerate subject (which could be scientific or business oriented) or equivalent (e.g. other qualifications or relevant work experience).
• Knowledge and Appreciation of ATM operations: A knowledge and appreciation of current and likely future UK ATM operations (e.g. SESAR), in depth in at least one area. A good understanding of the interactions between ATM operations and how work produced fits into the wider processes, including performance reporting. Some familiarity with European and world-wide developments in ATM as required.
• Quality of work and communication: Produces well documented, high quality technical work, and actively determines when work is of a sufficient standard. Appreciation of the importance of generating and applying best practice including use of the NMS. Proven communication and presentation skills at all levels.
• Negotiation: An ability to negotiate with technical, operational and non-operational staff on a wide range of technical and non-technical topics, including the ability to present clear and persuasive business cases and arguments.
• Team working: An ability to lead, motivate and inspire an effective team culture, by promoting team spirit, keeping others focussed and supporting colleagues. Able to communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary environment taking into account different perspectives and able to moderate different technical viewpoints.

Financial Dimensions

This part demonstrates the financial impact of the Role and the key areas of contribution which can be measured to quantify the potential ‘size’ of the role.

DIRECT REPORTS: N/A

TOTAL DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORTS: European Domain Management (Management of European partners contributing to the project): 20

OVERALL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION: N/A